Advantages of Afterschool Tutoring Programs

Advantages of Afterschool Tutoring ProgramsIf you have a child in your class that is struggling to learn math, a great alternative to paying tuition fees is to consider using afterschool tutoring programs. Although there are many different types of tutoring programs available, the three most common types are academic or cultural, books and homework. Although you may not want to use a tutor as a means of supplementing your child's education, these programs can actually do more than simply enhance your child's learning.By allowing your child to take on new skills and strategies through tutoring, you will be showing him that he is capable of doing his own work. Additionally, having a more structured environment is a beneficial way to improve a child's learning experience.A big benefit of working with an afterschool program is that it allows for interaction with teachers. Teachers tend to be more lax with their students in the traditional classroom setting. Since a tutor works in a more private environment, this often sparks an increased level of interaction with the teacher and his/her other students. By having an opportunity to interact with your child's teacher, the student is able to ask questions and receive guidance in a more structured environment.Afterschool tutoring also provides a social outlet for children who struggle with the social aspect of their education. Having a structured environment offers a structured way for children to spend their free time with friends. In the same vein, having a tutor allows your child to work independently and learns to perform their own work.Afterschool tutoring programs are more likely to have shorter tutoring sessions, especially if they are used to augment existing school instruction. These programs tend to give a clearer focus on the actual subject matter. While this is certainly not the only benefit of working with after school tutoring programs, it certainly is a beneficial one.Afterschool tutoring is also ideal fo r parents who have trouble keeping track of their child's homework or simply want to supplement their child's lessons. If your child has any kind of learning disability, this type of program can be beneficial. Having an extra set of eyes to help you keep track of the child's progress can help you as well.Whether your child's needs fall into the academic or cultural category, finding a program to fit your child's learning style is important. Afterschool tutoring programs can allow your child to learn and succeed without having to spend money on expensive tuition fees. This can result in a much more rewarding experience for your child and his or her educational future.

What is the PreACT

What is the PreACT High school can initially feel a bit overwhelmingtheres a lot to learn, and youve got to begin preparing for any number of tests. Before youve really begun this phase of your life, youre already being asked to think about college. One of the things virtually every high school student has to deal with is standardized testing. While this often happens within the curriculum of your school, youve also got the option of completing testing that will gain you admittance to the colleges and universities you hope to attend. Sure, youve heard of the ACT and SATbut what about the PreACT? What exactly is the PreACT? Simply put, the PreACT acts as preparation for the ACT, which is typically taken during your junior or senior year of high school (if you choose to take it). According to act.org, the PreACT is designed to be an early indication of progress to help guide action plans, provide fast reporting so students and educators can turn PreACT data into action, and easy, flexible, affordable administration to give students high-stakes practice. The PreACT can be taken by students anytime between September 1st and June 1st. Practice makes perfect One of the best things about the PreACT is that it offers the ability to practice taking the ACT in a simulated environment. Your PreACT score is offered in the same format as your ACT score, which can help students feel more prepared and ultimately raise their scores. The act of testing can also give students valuable insights into areas they may wish to study more or those where theyre excelling, allowing teachers and students to further tailor learning plans. [RELATED: Can the ACT Aspire Predict Your ACT Score?] Guidance for your future The PreACT can also be a great tool for helping you decide what exactly it is youd like to do in your future career. While you certainly have some time to decide, it can be helpful to at least have an idea now about what career path you may wish to ultimately follow. The PreACT can offer some insight into strengths or weaknesses and help guidance counselors, parents, and educators encourage students into particular fields that may fit them best. An opportunity for colleges While youre not required to share your PreACT scores with colleges or scholarship sponsors, you may do so if you choose. This can give universities the opportunity to recruit you, which can open new doors. You may also receive more personal correspondence, scholarships, and recruitment when you perform particularly well on the test. Helping make education better The PreACT is beneficial for students and teachers alike, offering guidance and perspective into ideas for more effective education concepts for students. The data gathered from this test can be used to support or amend important decisions about facets of the high school curriculum that will ideally help students in the long-term. The next step Once students have taken the PreACT, they can use that foundation to keep reviewing for the ACTin an effective manner that appeals to their strengths and weaknesses, perhaps by using ACT practice tests or an ACT prep book. Preparing for the ACT is a multi-step processtaking the PreACT is only the beginning. By adequately preparing for the ACT, youre ensuring that youre giving yourself the best chance for a promising academic future.

Online Solutions for Fitness Training

Online Solutions for Fitness Training Is It a Good Idea to Use an Online Personal Trainer? ChaptersWhat are the Advantages of Using an Online Personal Trainer?The Benefits of Free Online Fitness TrainingThe Best Sites for Free Fitness TrainingThe Best Phone Apps for Fitness TrainingUse YouTube to Find the Right Fitness Training for YouThe Differences Between a Personal Trainer Online and in Real LifeNowadays there are loads of online solutions to getting fit when you might not usually have the means or time to do so. But now there is a variety of ways to get back into shape using just your internet connection!The market for personal training just doesn’t stop growing, and we are seeing more and more websites with their own fitness programs and courses; never mind the proliferation of apps to help get you fit.With such an impressive range of choices, you might start asking yourself: which kind of online personal training should I try to lose weight and get fit? Which sites are the most effective for cardio training and muscle-building? What’s the difference between a re al personal trainer and an online training course?Bing Health Fitness is among the best iPhone apps for fitness, cardio training and well-being. This app offers you features which are also quite similar to the two previous apps we’ve seen: calorie counting, sleep and heart rate monitoring, blood pressure checker, speed calculation, GPS, distance tracker and a pedometer.But where this app is unique is in its nutrition tracker â€" you can log everything that you eat and check how many calories and grams of fat are present in what you’re eating, helping you to stay healthy and disciplined.Seven: your daily physical activity in 7 minutes!You’ll probably know this feeling as well as the next person: waking up at the crack of dawn, the chaotic journey to work, an exhausting day at the office, and then doing it all over again.Sometimes it feels nearly impossible to find a moment to fit in a workout â€" and this is where Seven comes in. Seven will offer you:Videos showing how to perf orm each fitness exercise to avoid mistakesVaried fitness, strengthening and stretching exercises to choose fromChallenges to motivate you every day: you win or lose hearts and unlock new exercises according to your attendance â€" you can even win trophies for your effort!Calorie counter and statistic charts showing your results and progressThat’s why Seven could be just the solution for you â€" an app specifically designed for busy people who are always on the go, who only have a few minutes to squeeze in an effective workout.Use YouTube to Find the Right Fitness Training for YouAs well as official coaching websites and fitness apps for your smartphone or tablet, there is also a world of options waiting for you on YouTube!You might only ever use YouTube to watch music videos or catch up with your favourite YouTubers, but there is an enormous array of health and fitness content to be discovered as well.Getting into shape, body sculpting and clean eating are all really popular tren ds these days, and personal trainers have started creating public content to share their expertise online! Now you can access exercise videos, from cardo to yoga, all at the touch of a button.YouTube is home to a plethora of videos from real personal trainers! Photo by jaredpolin on VisualhuntAnd these videos aren’t dull and repetitive as exercise can sometimes feel â€" you’ll find loads of funny, encouraging and well-made videos by professional teams of fitness enthusiasts, so that you can have fun as you slim down or tone up.Here are some great videos you can follow for both fitness and weight-loss:For abs: are you motivated? Fitness Blender offers a plethora of exercise videos that are specially designed for a safe and efficient workout. This ten-minute ab workout is short but very effective!To develop your muscles: follow Six Pack Abs, a channel which offers a number of strength training programs for biceps, triceps, backs and pecs.For cardio training and fitness: If you wan t to lose weight, burn calories and get fit, check out Popsugar Fitness for an intense half-hour workout to target your entire body!Make sure you have a look at what YouTube has to offer, because there really is something for everyone. Whether you want a gentle, relaxing stretching session to a more intense cardio or dance workout, you’re bound to find something you enjoy.The Differences Between a Personal Trainer Online and in Real LifeAs you can probably imagine, personal training with a real life trainer is quite different to using an online program or an app.Of course, the methods and exercises used are often very similar and there’s a lot of overlap in activity content. However, fitness training done in front of a computer screen can actually be quite passive work, and you might not push yourself as hard as you would with a trainer in person.With a personal trainer you will work face-to-face, and you can benefit from human interaction and communication. You are able to ask questions and receive real guidance to make sure you’re doing things right.There are therefore many advantages to working with a personal trainer â€" it can be the most encouraging and effective way to reach personal goals such as weight-loss or body-building. You are forced to be active, and this brings about quick and noticeable results.It is also true, however, that personal trainers come at a serious cost. If you have a gym membership, that might include some personal training as part of the price, but generally personal training is a luxury that not many people can afford.And this is exactly why an online personal trainer is so great! It’s easy to find free, motivational and intense workouts that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, or when you’re out and about with an app on your phone.

English Converation Classes Talking About the Film Black Swan

English Converation Classes Talking About the Film Black Swan Many students of mine have, or are about to, watch the movie Black Swan. Indeed, I saw the film myself recently, so it’s a good time to talk about the issues it raises, learn some new vocabulary and have an English conversation class:How you do imagine the life of a ballet dancer?Positive perspectiveGlamorousWell-traveledRewardingArtisticCulturedAttractiveWell paid (if successful)Negative perspectiveDemandingToughPhysically difficultUncompromisingUnrelentingCompetitiveChallengingUnpredictableInsularBadly paid (unless extremely successful)Discussion questionsHave you ever been so dedicated to your work or a pass time that other elements of your life suffered?Do you agree that to achieve artistic excellence a certain amount of suffering is necessary?How would you define an excellent performance, on stage or on screen?Since we are talking about Black Swan, let’s watch an interview with the film’s director Darren Aronofsky and answer the questions that follow it.Why does Aronofsky say he was interested in capturing the ballet world on film?What does he mean by getting ‘behind the curtain’ of the ballet world?What training did Natalie Portman do for the film?Why does Aronofsky say she did such a good job in the film?What reasons does he give for using handheld cameras to film to movie?Aronofsky says the movie has two parts. What are these?How did the team decide on the look for the film?Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual Classroom

7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual Classroom 7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual Classroom These days, you can find a language learning app for anything.There are photo translator apps that extract words from your pictures for instant translation. Apps to carry with you as you travel. There are even language learning apps for children of all ages.With all these options, it sometimes seems like apps are replacing the traditional classroom experience altogether.But why not have the best of both worlds?Online language learning courses offer the structure and community of a traditional classroom, plus the convenience and functionality of app-based learning. Plus, with numerous free and paid options, its possible to find a virtual language course that suits any learning goal.Read on to learn about the best of the best in online language courses! Why Learn a Language Through an Online Course?As convenient and effective as casual language learning apps can be, learning a language through an online course can be a better choice in certain circumstances.Lay the foundation.Sometim esâ€"especially when you’re just starting outâ€"it helps to build that language learning foundation brick-by-brick.Through an online course, you can build a solid, structured foundation for your language learning. Basic grammar and the simplest words form the cornerstone and the foundation. Conversational essentials and more advanced vocabulary build the walls upwards, held together with the mortar of additional grammar and syntax.Learning in a structured way can give you more confidence in the language, since you’ll be covering all of the important bases.Learn to play by the rules.Learn the official rules of the standard languageâ€"before you learn to break them.Depending on how you plan to use a language, you may ultimately be more interested in learning its slang than its formal register.That said, if you don’t learn the rules first, you won’t know when it’s appropriate to deviate from them…or how to do so in a way that native speakers will understand.Elucidate comple x concepts.An online course can really put you through your paces, giving you the discipline to learn the language thoroughlyâ€"not just the fun stuff, but the tough stuff.For  intermediate  or  advanced  learners, an online course can help explain the more complicated facets of the language, such as thorny  grammar  questions.Learn like a pro.If you’re looking to earn a degree or a professional certification, a casual language learning app can be a great supplementary learning resource. But it probably won’t confer real college credit or official certification.Many online courses, on the other hand, allow you to earn credit for a professional certification or university degreeâ€"which is probably a lot more impressive to HR than seeing all the language learning apps you downloaded on your phone…no matter how useful they’ve been in your pursuit of fluency.Enjoy the flexibility of an online classroom.Learn wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection.You can c arry a classroom in the palm of your hand or reach it right through your laptop. Take your learning with you, everywhere you goâ€"just like the more edutaining language learning apps.You can attend a college-level course whenever you have a few moments to spare, no matter where you are. Pretty powerful, hmm?Learning a language through an online course gives you the best of both worlds: The structure and interaction of the classroom experience with the convenience of “anytime, anywhere” access.4 Ways to Get the Most from the Virtual ClassroomEven though most of us have had many hours of experience in both classrooms and websurfing, the virtual classroom is a magical combination of pedagogy and technology that may not seem as intuitive as you’d imagine.Here are a few tips for successfully navigating online language courses.Tip #1: Find an online course that supports your goals.Everyone has different reasons for wanting to learn another language.Some people are simply language ju nkies, lured by the charm and beauty of each unique form of human expression.Then there are travelers who want to master the world’s most useful international languages.Others want to learn a language to bolster their current career, whether through studying business Chinese or acing a widely-recognized placement test to prove their linguistic mettle.Some want to pursue a career centered on using their language skills. Their career dreams might include becoming an interpreter or a translator.Its important to find a language learning course that supports your goals, whatever they may be. This might mean checking out a free trial, or viewing the syllabus and reading materials before signing up, whenever possible.Auditing versus earning credit.Some online courses let you learn a language for just the price of the work you put in. However, you are essentially auditing the courseâ€"there will be no certificate or college credit when you complete it.If you are in a situation where you n eed to earn college credit from your online course, make sure that that’s part of the program. In almost every case, there will be a fee associated with a program that grants college credit for an online course.The same is true of an online language course that offers you a certificate of completion, or some sort of professional certification.Tip #2: Know your paid courses MOOCs.No, I’m not talking about the slang insult. A MOOC is a “massive open online course,” which describes many of the free online courses available today. However, not all of themâ€"or their paid counterpartsâ€"are created equal.Examine the course structure.Some online courses follow a set schedule. Some are asynchronous, meaning you can work on them whenever you like. You can take a hiatus, and then finish up later.The important thing is to be aware of deadlinesâ€"if there are anyâ€"so that you don’t miss them.You have to know your own schedule, availability, and habits to make language learning thro ugh an online course work for you.Maybe you don’t consistently have a lot of time to work on course projects.Then again, maybe you need deadlines to keep you on track.Look out for “gotchas.”Some online courses will give you lifetime access to the materials. Others will only allow you to access the materials for a limited time.You may need to finish a certain portion of the course, meet all your deadlines, reach a specific score on the exam and pay a course fee in order to get college credit or professional certification.Read the fine print to make sure there are no deal-breakers.Research the prerequisites.Just like traditional classes, some online courses have prerequisites that you must meet prior to enrollment.For instance, you may have to successfully complete Spanish I II before you can enroll in the online Spanish Grammar Composition course you’re considering.Learn to navigate the online classroom.If you’ve never taken an online course before, it pays to take time t o familiarize yourself with the way they work. Many providers offer a short, free course that teaches you how to use the video controls and other functions of the online course software.It’s also important to check out the hardware and software requirements before you enroll. Make sure your PC or mobile device has a compatible OS for the course. Use the web browser that works best with the course video players.Some courses also require additional software, like Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader. Tools like these are almost always free downloads.Don’t be in a class by yourself.Remember to connect with your fellow students. Contribute to the course’s discussion board or associated Facebook group. You can study or practice your language skills with other people in the course, who are working their way through the same academic challenges you’re facing.The instructor is usually available to help as well, whether through the discussion board or directly through email.By building community with your teacher and classmates, you’ll get much more out of learning a language through an online course than you would by trying to fly under the radar. You might even find a new friend or two in the process.Tip #3:  Think outside the textbook.Learning a language through an online course can give you a solid, structured foundationâ€"in other words, it can teach you the official rules of the language.In real life, though, language often breaks the rules.A lot of traditionally-structured language courses don’t have the flexibility to include contemporary resources like movies and music videos, or dialogues drawn from interviews and TV shows.That’s why it’s important to supplement your language learning diet with up-to-the-minute morsels of pop culture. A source like FluentU can hook you up with the latest, cutting-edge language usage. FluentU uses real-world videos to provide authentic language learning content for students at all levels. Learn directly from real-life sources and red-hot media…from countries where the language is spoken and used every day.In addition to an ever-growing library of curated, contemporary videos available for learners of many languages, FluentU offers interactive exercises and quizzes that help you assess what you’re learning. You can also enjoy personalized suggestions for videos at your current language learning level.Tip #4: Don’t forget your study skills.Many online courses use video-based lessons. These are stimulating and entertaining.But there’s a downside: It can be very tempting to just grab the popcorn, watch along and forget about basic study skills like taking class notes.Don’t just press “Play” and go on autopilot!Taking the time to take notes can really help the lessons sink in. A language learning notebook is a faithful companion as you work your way through your online courses. It can track your progress and keep you motivated.It’s actually easier to take notes in an onl ine course than in a traditional classroom. Most online coursework is done at your own pace. And you can always pause the video to catch up with your notes or loop it back to catch something you missed.When you want to rapidly review a lesson, most online courses give you the option of watching a lesson at a faster speed. This is where it pays to familiarize yourself with the controls for your online course interface.Keeping to a set study schedule may also help keep you on track. But don’t miss out on spontaneous learning opportunities.With short videos or texts comprising many lessons, you can squeeze in studying whenever you have five or ten minutes freeâ€"even if you’re in a waiting room or standing in a long line.7 Online Language Courses to Get the Most from the Virtual ClassroomFor Learning’s Sake Alone: Unaccredited  CoursesUdemy: Business-style training with deep discounts.Aimed largely at a business and personal development audience, Udemy mostly offers paid courses. Check their website often to catch their frequent sales, with staggeringly deep discounts.Courses are presented by individuals and companies with expertise in the subject matter, so you know youre learning from the best. Plus, they offer lifetime access to course materials, meaning you can study at your own pace. This makes Udemy a fantastic option for professionals, students or anyone with a busy schedule.Some of the languages offered include:ArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanItalianJapaneseKoreanRussianFutureLearn: Start with the free tier and upgrade according to your needs.FutureLearn focuses on education for job seekers. Their course materials are provided by cultural organizations like UNESCO and the British Library, as well as traditional schools from around the world.Their university partners include such notable institutions as Trinity College Dublin (home of the Book of Kells), Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the University of Oslo and King’s College London.As a Fu tureLearn student, you can pick your learning plan from three tiers: Start with the free tier, upgrade to lifetime course access or choose one-year access to unlimited short courses.Learn from a wide array of online language courses:DutchEnglishFrisianGermanIrish GaelicItalianKoreanNorwegianSpanishMIT OpenCourseWare: Skip registration! Get free and instant access to MIT language curriculum.If all you want is the knowledge, and you have no interest in a certificate or degree, why waste time registering?All the materials from former MIT courses are instantly available to anyone online. With a couple of simple clicks, you get immediate access to the online course curriculum for studies in:ChineseEnglishFrenchGermanItalianJapanesePortugueseSpanishFilter by course features like online textbooks, complete audio lectures and instructor insights. Check out just the undergraduate or graduate courses. With MIT OpenCourseWare, you do all the steering to determine your own course.Get Credit Whe re It’s Due: Work Toward a DegreeEdX: Free with paid options for certifications or graduate degrees.EdX has free online language courses, generally available from extensions of top universities and world-class cultural institutions like the Smithsonian.There are paid options for professional certificates and traditional masters degrees. EdX also offers paid MicroMasters programs, which develop one specific skillset geared towards a particular career.You may have had high school language classes and want a refresher before you dig into undergraduate-level material. Look for AP language review classes, which can get you back up to speed and ready to progress.In the realm of modern languages, you can find courses in:EnglishFrenchItalianJapaneseMandarin ChineseRussianThe Open University: Courses for honors-level bachelors and masters degrees.Based in the UK, the Open University (OU) offers paid honors-level bachelors and masters degrees. Now a half-century old, OU was a pioneer in dis tance learning.OU is accredited in the USA and has students from all over the world.The primary languages available are:EnglishFrenchGermanSpanishA few undergraduate modules delve into other languages, like Welsh, Italian, Latin and Chinese.If you’re studying outside Europe, be aware that you may be subject to additional course fees.Ed2Go: Online courses taken through local universities.Ed2Go offers online courses that are certified by local universities and community colleges.Their current language offerings are:FrenchItalianJapaneseSpanishBoth registered students at the local universities and continuing education students can take advantage of the convenient online courses through Ed2Go.Most of the online language courses last six weeks (24 course hours)â€"although some of them, such as the entire Speed Spanish series, are as long as 72 course hours.Some of the courses are targeted at language use for a specific purpose, such as Spanish for Law Enforcement.New courses begin each month and two new lessons are released every week.BYU Independent Study:  Middle school, high school or college credit for online language courses.Part of Brigham Young University’s Continuing Education program, BYU Independent Study isn’t just for college-level learners.Whether you’re a middle school or high school student who wants to learn languages not available at your local school, or an adult who wants to start lessons at a more basic level, BYU Independent Study provides numerous for-credit course options.Their online course catalog includes several modern languages, as well as a couple of classical ones:ArabicFrenchGermanItalianJapaneseKoreanMandarin ChinesePortugueseRussianLatinBiblical HebrewWhatever your language learning goals, there’s almost certainly an appropriate online course to help you meet them. You can get the benefits of structured classroom learning with the portable convenience of an app.And you won’t even need to wear a college sweatshirt or lear n the school song… unless you’re into that kind of thing, of course.Michelle Baumgartner is a language nerd who has formally studied seven languages and informally dabbled in at least three others. In addition to geeking out over slender vowels, interrogative particles, and phonemes, Michelle is a  freelance content writer and education blogger. Keep up with her latest adventures in language and learning on  Twitter.

No Internet No Problem! 7 Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options

No Internet No Problem! 7 Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options No Internet? No Problem! Great Apps with Offline Language Learning Options Hey, you.That’s rightâ€"you, the one who’s staring at that phone  like its the last chance youll  have to use it this decade.Do you have that frightened gleam in your eyes because you’ll soon be traveling to one of the few places without internet access?Or is it something else? Maybe youre just trying to unplug, get back to basics, smell the rosesWhatever your reason for disconnecting, you should know that language learning doesn’t have to stop just because you’re offline.You dont even have to say goodbye to that bit of technology youre holding!I sense it: you’re skeptical. But I wouldn’t kid youâ€"there really are lots of super ways to keep your language program rolling without Wi-Fi.Let’s check out the apps (plus some old school bonus ideas) thatll help you get fluent anytime, anywhere, no internet necessary!How Serious Learning Can Happen OfflineIt wouldn’t be a bad idea for us all to try going offline once in a while. Studies actually show that some offline time is a healthy thing for everyone.The good news continues because offline time is perfect to power up language learning. With no distractionsâ€"Facebook, Twitter or any of the other internet time-sucking spotsâ€"it’s easy to stick to your language learning program.First, you should prepare by scheduling offline language study time into your day. Many of us already follow a language learning schedule  so this might be a simple tweak for youâ€"stick to your schedule, even if your learning resources will change without Wi-Fi.Then, get excited for this new adventure and the opportunity to explore some different language materials.No Internet? No Problem! Great Apps with Offline Language Learning OptionsSo now the big question: exactly what options are out there?FluentUFluentU is one of the most innovative options on this list, bringing you authentic language practice wherever you go. FluentU provides real-world videos and audio clips in your target language, like movie trailers, music videos, dialogues, inspiring talks and more, thatve been transformed into language learning experiences.Each video and audio clip comes with interactive subtitles. Click any word you dont recognize for an instant definition and native pronunciation. FluentU also creates flashcards and exercises based on what youve watched so you dont forget all those new words! Its a fun way to actively build your vocabulary while naturally absorbing the language as native speakers really use it.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive Transcr iptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.The videos and audio are organized by genre and learning level, so its easy to find something that works for you. Plus, FluentU personalizes the experience by suggesting new content based on what youve already learned. Its flexible but customized learningâ€"everyone has a different experience!For offline learning, you can download the audio clips, quizzes and PDF transcripts to keep your practice going anywhere!FluentU is available for the following languages:ChineseJapaneseKoreanRussianFrenchSpanishGermanItalianEnglish50LANGUAGES50LANGUAGES is a free app  for iOS and Android  that offers both online and offline resources. It’s geared to ward beginnersâ€"even those with absolutely no experienceâ€"as well as anyone who wants to polish up their language skills. As the name suggests, they cover more than 50 languages.If basic communication skills are what you’re going for, this is certainly a good choice. Youll follow audio lessons, which are available to download for offline listening. Other learning materials include language tests and flashcards.If you want to take your studies pre-internet, print books are available to purchase to supplement the programs.There are 100 lessons to exploreâ€"try listening to a lesson a day!Google TranslateGoogle Translate is a workhorse for language learners. Its available for iOS and Android users.Personally, I use it all the time. It provides a quick text translation, customizable phrasebook and even translates conversations in an instant.One of its best features is the ability to get the meaning of a sign, menu or even billboard with the camera translation. Never get lost again†"just point at a street sign and wait for the translation. This app is great for travelers!What you may not realize is Google Translate delivers for  offline learning, too. It’s possible to download languages onto your device so they’re available for use even when the device is not connected to the internet. Google Translates language packs are available in more than 50 languages.Some even offer offline camera translation!Plus, when you’re not actively looking for a translation, this app is perfect for offline vocabulary building.Naver Papago TranslateNaver Papago Translate is a text, voice, conversation and image translation app for iOS and Android users.  Its available for 11 languages, including French, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese and more.For offline learning, theres a phrasebook containing basic expressions. Its a fun, fast way to boost your communication abilities whenever youve got some down time.When you get back on the grid, Naver Papago offers a full dictionary as well as real-time translations. You can even  enable location services and Naver Papago will suggest languages for translation depending on where you are!In case you’re wondering, papago means parrot in Esperanto. Its a bird with language abilities, so it does seem to be a fitting name for such a useful app!MemriseMemrise is designed to make language education catchy and fun, while comprehensive. Both iOS and Android users will benefit from this download. It provides an offline mode so you can easily continue your practice anywhere.With Memrise, you follow themed courses (e.g. foundational vocabulary, common expressions, conjugation rules etc.) to learn your language in a logical way. It’s a unique approach to language study but it still packs all of the components we expect from a language program.As you study youll get games, videos featuring native speakers, chatbots and more. You can even record your own pronunciation for comparison with native speech.DuolingoDuolingo is a f amiliar language-learning program. You may already recognize their fun, green owl mascot Duo, who accompanies learners on their journey from beginner to advanced levels. Available for about 30 languages, this app teaches in small, manageable lessons on both iOS and Android devices.There’s the voice recognition segment that pulls no punchesâ€"when you’ve mispronounced a word or phrase, you’ll be prompted to try again. Have practice conversations with chatbots or join a club with other learners.When lessons are completed Duo will commend you and tell you how many days in a row you’ve been working on a particular language. This is a fun way to learn a language!Duolingos offline mode includes an abridged number of its lessons. When youre offline, the progress tracking features will be turned off.BusuuThe Busuu app is an excellent choice, since  all its lessons are available offline!It teaches 12 languages at all levels on iOS  and Android platforms.  If you’re not sure where y ou fall on the learning scale, don’t worry! Busuu will give you a placement test to determine the perfect starting point for your language-learning journey.Busuus program is designed to teach you a language through brief but consistent studyâ€"just 10 minutes a day. It covers key vocabulary,  conversational phrases, grammar skills and even allows for real practice with native speakers.Looking for a Bonus Offline Option? Go Old School with Flashcards!Flashcards? They’re not just for kids! In fact, they’re a key component in nearly every language program. They’re a customizable method for  building a strong vocabulary.Most die-hard language students wouldn’t leave home without our language flashcards. Mine are always with me!Instead of making them yourself, try these fun options.TravelflipsTravelflips  are flashcards that provide basic phrases suitable for everyday use. They come in Spanish, Italian, German  and French and are packed in a neat little box that’s perfect for traveling.I have both the Italian and French cards and love them. I’m hoping they follow up with more languages!BerlitzBerlitz also offers a ready-made flashcard option. Their flashcard sets include  German, Spanish, French and Chinese.These are designed with children in mind, but beginning learners of any age would get a vocabulary boost from using them.Going offline doesn’t have to mean a language program is also turned off.Put today’s technology to good use to continue your language journeyâ€"and keep up  the habit of daily language practice! Add an old school option and you’re all set to learn anytime, anywhere!Good luck! And enjoy your disconnect!

How to Eat Healthy Without Leaving Your Dorm

How to Eat Healthy Without Leaving Your Dorm Image via http://pixabay.com Healthy sandwiches An easy way to get a wholesome meal when you’re at school is to order a simple sandwich from a local café or restaurant. Choosing whole grain over white bread and choosing a sandwich full of vegetables will fill you up without making you feel greasy or sluggish in other words, it will make a great study food. When you order online, you can typically customize your sandwiches exactly how you want them. Stick to lean meats and avoid overdoing it with cheese or mayo, and ask for extra lettuce or other veggies for a healthier option. If you’re given the choice for a side, go for a salad instead of French Fries or chips. Image via http://pixabay.com Sushi Sushi is a great option when you’re ordering in and want something healthy and light. In addition to being flavorful, it offers a multitude of health benefits: nori, the outer layer of sushi, provides you with Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals, while the seafood is typically high in protein, omega-3s, and vitamin D. Though you wouldn’t necessarily want to eat it too often the mercury in some types of fish can have negative health consequences if you consume too much of it it’s perfect for a light snack or a full meal. Given its popularity, you can probably find a sushi restaurant wherever you are that delivers to your campus at an affordable price. Some will even deliver late into the night, so instead of reaching for the junk food, you can indulge yourself in a more nutritious midnight snack. Image via http://pixabay.com Chinese If you have a craving for Chinese, skip the Panda Express and look for more authentic Chinese food with lots of veggies. Sautéed broccoli, Bok choy, and snow peas, for instance, are great sources of antioxidants. Given they’re typically prepared with garlic or spices, you’ll be getting the health benefits without missing out on any flavor. Another way to make your order healthier is to opt for brown rice over white rice; because you produce brown rice by removing only the hull of the rice kernel, it retains more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Miso soup is another nice, light option that offers a range of health benefits, due to its main ingredient of miso paste. It relieves fatigue, decreases cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and lowers the risk of diseases such as cancer. Image via http://pixabay.com Mexican Like Chinese, Mexican food is easy to have delivered straight to your dorm when you don’t have time to go out. For healthier options, tend toward dishes stocked with veggies and protein; a veggie taco with a side of beans, for example, is a great option for a filling and well-balanced meal. Fajitas are also a good choice, as you can fill them with lean meat and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something small, a serving of rice and beans is simple but nutritious the beans give you protein and the rice gives you carbohydrates, so you won’t be left feeling unsatisfied. Image via http://pixabay.com Salads When you’re presented with a myriad of options for what to eat, salad may seem like a boring alternative. However, there are many restaurants that offer unique salads that won’t leave you feeling hungry or ripped off. If you like kale, a kale salad is a great option; it is both a “superfood” and fairly filling. By mixing it up with your toppings and dressings, you can always have a new type of salad delivered straight to you without it feeling as dull as the Caesar salad from your dining hall. You can also toss in grains such as quinoa for extra texture. Image via http://pixabay.com Smoothies and juices If you have a nearby café that delivers, try ordering a smoothie or juice the next time you’re hungry but aren’t in the mood for a full meal. Especially when made with fresh ingredients, these drinks are an easy way to get the health benefits out of fruits and vegetables. While you might need to watch out for the sugar used in some smoothie recipes, overall they are a great alternative to snacking on chips or going out for ice cream. What will you choose? Check out Uloops food delivery service to order now!